ESPN analytics hates us!

[18IsTheMan]

"They" predict us going 4-6 down the stretch. I say "they" because I realize the analytics is all computer-generated stuff.

For sure we don't have a cakewalk but I don't see any unwinnable games. I know we aren't going to win out, but with how we've been playing and our style of play, you have to like our chances in most games. We aren't a UK who relies entirely on offense and if that's off, then you'll probably lose.

It all starts with UGA on the road this week, though. Our guys are now playing with the target on their backs, but they seem to have adopted Lamont's demeanor.

 

[Uscg1984]

As a longtime Gamecock fan, I'm afraid it's all too easy for me to imagine us going 4-6 down the stretch. However, if we can handle UGA on the road this weekend, that will go a long way toward improving my confidence.

 

[Deleted11512]

As a longtime Gamecock fan, I'm afraid it's all too easy for me to imagine us going 4-6 down the stretch. However, if we can handle UGA on the road this weekend, that will go a long way toward improving my confidence.

Even at 4-6 that puts us at 10-8 in league and 22-9 overall. In a strong league that still gets us in. But stranger things have happened….to us, no doubt.

 

[Deleted11512]

"They" predict us going 4-6 down the stretch. I say "they" because I realize the analytics is all computer-generated stuff.

For sure we don't have a cakewalk but I don't see any unwinnable games. I know we aren't going to win out, but with how we've been playing and our style of play, you have to like our chances in most games. We aren't a UK who relies entirely on offense and if that's off, then you'll probably lose.

It all starts with UGA on the road this week, though. Our guys are now playing with the target on their backs, but they seem to have adopted Lamont's demeanor.

This team reminds me a lot of that 2016 team, but a little more balanced. We relied on Sin a lot coming down the stretch. This team just has so many really good, solid, consistent, reliable players. This is the kind of team that can do damage in a tournament setting.

 

[Uscg1984]

Even at 4-6 that puts us at 10-8 in league and 22-9 overall. In a strong league that still gets us in. But stranger things have happened….to us, no doubt.

Yes, at the beginning of the season, we would have all been THRILLED with a 22-9/10-8 season. Unfortunately, I think that would make us a bubble team and, historically, the committee has not liked bubble teams that struggle down the stretch. A 4-6 stretch run would validate our many skeptics.

 

[Deleted11512]

Yes, at the beginning of the season, we would have all been THRILLED with a 22-9/10-8 season. Unfortunately, I think that would make us a bubble team and, historically, the committee has not liked bubble teams that struggle down the stretch. A 4-6 stretch run would validate our many skeptics.

Yeah, I agree. I'm just enjoying the moment. It's wild to me that it's the beginning of Feb and we have no likely losses left on the schedule. We can win every game left.

The 3/6 game against UT is shaping up to be a banger in CLA. That could decide the regular season champion.

 

[18IsTheMan]

This team reminds me a lot of that 2016 team, but a little more balanced. We relied on Sin a lot coming down the stretch. This team just has so many really good, solid, consistent, reliable players. This is the kind of team that can do damage in a tournament setting.

You can never say for sure, but I feel like our style of play is dependable. We don't rely on scoring 90 points a game and we don't have THAT one player who opposing teams can focus on to shut down and take you out of your game. Our defense has been remarkably consistent all season. In 14 of our games, we have held opponents to between 62 and 69 points. The 4 other wins had opponents scoring less than 60.

Notably, though, we have given up 70+ points 4 times and lost 3 of those games, so it's a narrow margin for us. So we can't really afford to have an off-night defensively because we don't have the offense to bail us out, but we really haven't had much of an off-game defensively so far. Bama averages 89 ppg and we held them to 74 in our crappiest offensive showing so far. UK averages 88.7 and we held them to 62. Those are the #s 1 and 3 scoring offenses in the nation. Tennessee averages 78.5 and we held them to 59.

Never say never, but it's hard to see anyone running up a bunch of points on us. I'd much rather rely on a consistent defense than an explosive offense, but I've always appreciated good defense more than a big-time offense. In football, I'd take a 9-6 slobber knocker any day over a 63-56 shootout.

Even if we went 4-6 the rest of the way, that final record was far beyond what anyone would have conceived to start the season. But, at this point, we've gotten a taste so I want us to keep proving we're for real.

 

[Deleted11512]

You can never say for sure, but I feel like our style of play is dependable. We don't rely on scoring 90 points a game and we don't have THAT one player who opposing teams can focus on to shut down and take you out of your game. Our defense has been remarkably consistent all season. In 14 of our games, we have held opponents to between 62 and 69 points. The 4 other wins had opponents scoring less than 60.

Notably, though, we have given up 70+ points 4 times and lost 3 of those games, so it's a narrow margin for us. So we can't really afford to have an off-night defensively because we don't have the offense to bail us out, but we really haven't had much of an off-game defensively so far. Bama averages 89 ppg and we held them to 74 in our crappiest offensive showing so far. UK averages 88.7 and we held them to 62. Those are the #s 1 and 3 scoring offenses in the nation. Tennessee averages 78.5 and we held them to 59.

Never say never, but it's hard to see anyone running up a bunch of points on us. I'd much rather rely on a consistent defense than an explosive offense, but I've always appreciated good defense more than a big-time offense. In football, I'd take a 9-6 slobber knocker any day over a 63-56 shootout.

Even if we went 4-6 the rest of the way, that final record was far beyond what anyone would have conceived to start the season. But, at this point, we've gotten a taste so I want us to keep proving we're for real.

The transition D has been beautiful to watch. And it seems like the opponent never touches the ball without a challenge. Really hope the Ellis kid is legit. If you can add a scorer like that to a team like this, look out!!

 

[adcoop]

The transition D has been beautiful to watch. And it seems like the opponent never touches the ball without a challenge. Really hope the Ellis kid is legit. If you can add a scorer like that to a team like this, look out!!

You are going to have to wait until '25 for the Ellis kid. By that time, we will have a new cast of characters. How it is shaping up early, we may have a really good '25 class.

 

[Deleted11512]

You are going to have to wait until '25 for the Ellis kid. By that time, we will have a new cast of characters. How it is shaping up early, we may have a really good '25 class.

Yeah, we'll have different dudes, but running the same system. The Noah kid coming in '24 is blowing up too. He can score. Ellis, Assemian, Noah, CMB, Ugusuk, Federiko all look very promising. It will be interesting to see what LP adds in the portal as well.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Well, we stole one from the analytics today. This was supposed to be one of the six losses we would have the rest of the season.